Asian and Pacific Islander Elders' Use of Photovoice to Document Facilitators and Barriers to Healthy Living

Objectives: To describe how Photovoice was used by Cambodian, Filipino, Lao, Samoan and Vietnamese elders in Los Angeles and Orange Counties to collect data on diet/nutrition and physical activity, and describe barriers and facilitators to healthy living.

Methods: After participating in focus groups on healthy living (e.g., diet/nutrition and physical activity), focus group moderators gave elders disposable cameras and trained them how to take pictures. After they completed a roll of film, the photos were developed. Focus group moderators reviewed photographs with elders and asked them to describe the content focusing on facilitators and barriers to healthy living.

Results: Cambodian, Filipino, Lao, Samoan and Vietnamese elders from Los Angeles and Orange Counties took hundreds of photographs documenting typical foods consumed by elders, and in instances, typical physical activities to improve health. For many of the elders, this was their first time using a camera. The elders documented barriers to healthy living, e.g., dishes with high fat or sodium content, or fast food. Barriers to physical activity included photos of broken sidewalks, people sleeping on sidewalks, and indicators of criminal or gang activity.

Discussion: We believe this is the first time Photovoice has been used by Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander elders to create visual images that describe life in their communities. We believe this innovative use of Photovoice will be helpful in educating policymakers about the challenges to healthy living in these underserved communities, and developing interventions to promote healthier diet and increased levels of physical activity.